Matt Walker predicts former team-mate Rob Key will be a success as the new managing director of England men’s cricket.

Former Kent captain Key, 42, has given up his position with Sky Sports to take on his new role after his appointment was announced on Sunday.

His first task will be to help appoint a new England head coach and captain.

“When he puts his name into the pot, I don’t think it’s a surprise he’s got it - absolutely not,” said Kent head coach Walker who played alongside Key for many seasons.

“Maybe, it’s a surprise him going for it, I wouldn’t have thought that was something he’d do.

“But then, knowing him, he’s such an obsessive around cricket. He’s a real badger!

“He has an incredibly sharp cricket brain and, with his commentating, we know what a great eye he’s got on the game and how his opinion is well regarded.

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“So am I surprised he’s got it? Absolutely not.

“He’s probably the stand-out candidate from those that have gone for it and I think he’ll do a brilliant job. I’ve known him for a long time and I know how he thinks about the game.

“It’s smart and, sometimes, he thinks outside the box which gives another angle to it. I think anyone who listens to him commentating knows how well-respected he is in the game.

“It’s exciting, it’s great. I’m so pleased it’s an Englishman and I’m so pleased it’s someone I know well.

“I think he’ll do a really good job so I’m thrilled for him.”

Key captained Kent in two spells and his connections to the county have already brought with it speculation more players could join Kent captain Sam Billings and batter Zak Crawley in the new-look England set-up.

With Joe Root having stood down as England skipper last week, only odds-on favourite Ben Stokes is ahead of Crawley and Billings in the betting to become the new Test captain.

But Walker laughed off any suggestions there would be a Kent-oriented feel to England’s side.

“Keysy has got no favourites," stated Walker. "He will see it how he sees it.

"Whether those players are from Kent, Lancashire, Surrey or wherever, he will pick - with the selectors, the captain and the coach - what they think are the best players.

“He will have an opinion, as everybody does, but there will be no favouritism! I know that for a fact, knowing him.

“But we have got some good players here.

"So hopefully, whether it’s this year, next year or in the next two or three years, there will be a few more players from Kent representing the England side.”